Tangled Temptations

Harvey had lived a life of whimsy. However, at this moment, he felt a sense of panic he'd never experienced before. He had a vague feeling of having lost something, something he desperately wanted to hold onto.

But Eloise had made the decision to let go.

He'd read the diary and listened to her voice recordings. His recent behavior towards Eloise dominated his thoughts.

He'd allow Monika to stay at the office.

On New Year's Eve, he abandoned Eloise to go rescue Monika.

He'd blamed Eloise for being cold and ruthless and allowed Monika to get close after feeling neglected, testing his feelings for Eloise...

In a fit of rage, he'd allowed rumors to circulate about him and an actress.

Eloise remained silent, calmly signing the papers and finally giving up on their relationship.

She didn't want him anymore.

"Eloise." Harvey slowly approached her, calling her name.

Eloise stood straight, basking in the sunlight. The diamond ring on her finger sparkled brilliantly, piercing Harvey's heart.

"I've read your diary, and I've heard the recordings." He said, his voice barely audible. There was so much he wanted to say, but at this moment, he was struggling to find the right words, even though he was a top-tier attorney known for his eloquence in court,

Harvey felt lost.

The overwhelming emotions in the voice recordings were much more intense than his youthful romance with Joan, and it shocked him. Hearing his own familiar voice expressing such deep affection for a woman, he admitted he was stunned.

Eloise paused, but she quickly composed herself. She didn't ask anything else, only quietly asked him, "Where's the stuff?"

In a hoarse voice, Harvey replied, "In the car."

"I'll go with you to get it."

As Eloise walked towards the cemetery gate, Harvey grabbed her delicate wrist, unwilling to let go easily. "Eloise, you promised not to give up on me. I just need time."

Eloise blinked gently and lowered her eyes. Her gaze fell on the diamond ring. "Harvey, did I not wait long enough? Or did I not give you enough chances?

"I did promise. But I never thought there would be a Monika, or that she would become more important to you than I am... and then there's that actress.

"If it was him, he wouldn't treat me like this."

After speaking those words, Eloise seemed exhausted. She pulled away from Harvey's grip and headed towards the cemetery gate. The sunlight was blinding, and it hurt her eyes.

Harvey stood in place. He stared at the tombstone, engraved with Harvey and Eloise.

He suddenly realized, that before he had the chance to love her, Eloise had already left her love, right here.

Despite the Horigan family's low profile, the news of their divorce had leaked. Mainstream media outlets, although not daring to speak directly, still hinted subtly.

The person who confirmed the news was the acclaimed actress, Ruby. She had some confidence in doing so.

She had met Attorney Horigan's wife, or rather, his ex-wife, who was a very attractive woman. That day at the restaurant, Attorney Horigan had ordered dessert for her, right in front of his wife. Later, she had heard about their divorce.

She thought Attorney Horigan was doing it for her. After all, compared to a high- society lady, she was definitely more attractive. And the other woman had given birth to two children; her figure couldn't possibly be as good as hers.

Ruby posted on her social media. [April is lovely, Mr. Horigan.] The photo attached was a picture of her and Harvey at a banquet. As soon as she posted it, it blew up on social media.

Five minutes later, the post was removed by her PR team. However, the gossip- hungry public was still excited. Whether the rumors about Attorney Horigan and Ruby were true remained unknown, but one thing was certain - Attorney Horigan and Mrs. Horigan were definitely divorced.

For three whole days, news of their divorce swarmed all over social media. As usual, the Horigan family remained low-key, and Eloise certainly wouldn't step forward to attract attention.

Divorce wasn't something to be ashamed of. She continued to work as usual, taking care of their two children. She protected Linda very well.

People noticed that Eloise, the former Mrs. Horigan, wasn't heartbroken at all. In fact, she looked even more radiant and full of life.

A banquet ended. Crystal chandeliers brightly illuminated the hotel lobby. Dressed in a haute couture gown, Eloise walked out side by side with Gerald, discussing business as they went.

The April night was still a bit chilly. Gerald, being the gentleman that he was, draped his shawl over Eloise. "Ms. Laurent, it's a bit cold. You should wear this."

Eloise smiled faintly. "Okay. Now, where were we?"

Gerald also smiled. "The development project in the south."

Eloise lowered her gaze, pondering over it. "It's a key project for the company. Let's go and inspect it next month."

Gerald's heart skipped a beat. He took in Eloise's calm and composed demeanor, his heart filled with admiration. She was so wonderful.

Just as Eloise was about to say something, Harvey had come to pick her up.

Harvey had been sitting in the car for a long time. Being a man, he could clearly see the adoration in Gerald's eyes. He was somewhat uncomfortable; after all, he was the one who had introduced Gerald to Eloise.

Eloise wasn't very surprised when she saw Harvey. She bid Gerald goodbye and got into the car, Harvey following her in. He was quick to defend himself. "It wasn't real. I didn't like her."

He'd never thought of marrying anyone else; it was just a ploy to annoy Eloise.

However, Eloise didn't care. She rolled down the car window, smiling lightly. "Given our current relationship, whether it's true or not doesn't really matter. Attorney Horigan, if you ever get married again, I'll gift you a big red wedding gift."

Harvey was furious. She was sure magnanimous. He looked out the other window on his side of the car, and lit a cigarette, but extinguished it after only a few puffs. He asked her impatiently, "Are you planning to get married again?"

Eloise thought for a moment. "I don't think so. But you never know. I might meet the right person."

Harvey thought of Gerald. They seemed very intimate just now.

At the next intersection, Eloise asked him to get off, but Harvey insisted on going to see the children.

Eloise was silent for a moment. She murmured, "Harvey, I don't know if you're feeling regretful, or if you suddenly found yourself interested in me again, but I want you to understand something. You can see the kids, but please, refrain from any inappropriate physical or verbal advances. Otherwise, we can't even maintain a civilized relationship like this. It's too late tonight. We'll do this another time."

She rejected him, knowing full well that his intentions were not as innocent as he made it seem. Alone together, late at night, she knew she wouldn't stand a chance against him if he decided to become forceful.

Eventually, Harvey got out at the intersection.

Baron gave Eloise a hearty compliment, telling her that she had done the right thing and that men should be kept at arm's length. Eloise, however, felt exhausted.

As the night turned darker, the expensive black sedan parked in front of a detached villa. Eloise tightened her wrap as she got out of the car. The dim light cast a warm glow on the surroundings as she slowly ascended the stairs to see her children.

She had been allowed to take Linda and Darrien, per Parker's suggestion, which she felt grateful.

Darrien was still young, and he'd fall asleep right after eating. The nanny took very good care of him. Eloise entered Linda's room. The room was painted pink, and Linda was sprawled on her bed in her onesie.

Eloise removed her heels and gently patted Linda's little bottom.

Linda turned over. Her little face was soft and smooth, and touching Eloise's dress, she exclaimed, "Mommy, you look so pretty."

Eloise tucked her into bed and tenderly asked, "Why aren't you asleep? It's late."

Linda leaned into her mother's embrace and whispered, "I miss Daddy."

Eloise felt a pang of sadness. She softly suggested, "Why don't we call Daddy, alright?"

Linda's face lit up with joy. She took out her pink cell phone and dialed Harvey's number. He picked up almost immediately.

Not wanting to give him the wrong impression, Eloise stepped out of the room, leaving Linda to talk to him alone.

Linda truly missed Harvey. The first thing she said was, "Daddy, I miss you."

She wanted to sleep next to him, and she wanted to feel the warmth of his belly under her little feet.

Harvey had just returned home. He loosened his tie, his voice heavy, "Where's Mommy?"

In a spoiled tone, Linda replied, "Mommy's home. She smells really nice. But I still miss you, Daddy... I want you to read me a story."

Harvey's heart stirred. He had always been emotionally strong, but hearing his daughter's soft voice, he found himself missing her. He longed for a family.

Harvey picked up a children's book, reading to Linda with patience and tenderness.

As the night deepened, Linda slowly fell asleep. Finally, Eloise took the phone, whispering, "She's asleep."

Listening to her soft voice, Harvey felt a pang in his heart. He asked the question that had been on his mind the whole night, "Eloise, do we still have a chance?"

Eloise paused. After a moment, she quietly replied, "No."

And with that, she hung up.

She didn't cry, because she had already shed too many tears over him. On the days when she seemed indifferent, she was actually struggling inside.

On the other side of the phone, Harvey slowly hung up. He poured himself a glass

of whisky. He repeatedly played the recording, watching Eloise as she took control of his desires.

Now, he knew that he had once deeply loved her. They had once loved each other deeply.

Now, it was hard for him to accept that one day Eloise might love someone else, and might do those things with someone else in bed. The very thought of it was unbearable. She should be his, and his alone.noveldrama

There was a knock at the door. Harvey turned off the recording, his voice hoarse. "Come in."

Orlena came in, carrying a late-night snack. She said softly, "Harvey, you haven't been eating properly these past few days."

Harvey smiled faintly, accepting her offer.

Orlena sat down, awkwardly starting to talk, "There's a lot of people pursuing

Eloise now, don't you feel threatened?"

Harvey lost his appetite. He wiped his lips, asking softly, "How are they pursuing

her?"

Orlena whispered, "By giving gifts."

"And what does she like?"

Orlena thought for a moment, a long moment, before tearfully replying, "What she

likes most... is you, Harvey."

Harvey was taken aback. He was not expecting this answer. He took out a

cigarette, lit it up and smoked silently. He mulled over Orlena's words, and then

chuckled bitterly. "But she doesn't want me now."

He wanted to get back together, to be with her, but Eloise didn't give him a

chance.